Showing posts with label Smokey Mountains. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Smokey Mountains. Show all posts

Friday, December 13, 2019

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Rangers remembered for rescues 45 years later

Mother thanks life-saving rangers with 45 years of poinsettias


WBIR News
Author: Jim Matheny
December 12, 2019
Every December since 1974, Wanneta Johnson has sent a poinsettia to thank rangers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for saving her son's life.

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — At Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) headquarters, employees may differ on how they pronounce poinsettia. But they all agree the large red flower in the lobby each December exemplifies a mother's perennial gratitude for the life-saving work of park rangers.
"The first week of December, every year we look forward to this beautiful poinsettia from Wanneta Johnson. This is 45 years in a row she has sent this to thank our rangers," said GSMNP spokesperson Dana Soehn. "We display this in our park headquarters [lobby] for everyone to enjoy and reflect on the efforts people make."

This year was only the second time Johnson did not drive from her home in the Tri-Cities to deliver the decorative plant in-person. Her mobility is limited now that she is 98 years old.
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